Still the best breakfast in town for all this time and they now accept credit cards! Big news! Service is always excellent and the food is as wholesome and unadulterated as food can be! We discovered something new this time: when I was asking the waitress the difference between them "Diablo" plates and the skillets, she said "Diablo Sauce". So, I got a veggie skillet with Diablo Sauce and I gotta tell you that this sauce is FANTASTIC! It is NOT too hot! It's got some sweetness to it and tiny chunks of peppers and onions in it. It comes in a little dish of its own and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT if you like your breakfast with a little heat on it! We love this place! read more

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We were in the area and hungry for a late lunch, so based on yelp reviews we decided to drop in. The dining room is really cute with a retro diner, model airplane theme that's more appealing than it sounds. For lunch my wife and I split a burnt ends platter, avgolemono soup and a salad. It was tasty comfort food. We even ran into the owner who turned out to be a friendly guy. Service was attentive and the waitress' recommendations were spot on. We will definitely come again when we're in Barrington. read more

Cute place with an old school diner vibe, just be prepared to be punched in the face with barbecue smell when you walk in. I love barbecue, so no problem here. We came for breakfast and I ordered the hash which tasted ok but was so greasy I couldn't eat much. The potatoes that came with both of our meals were dry but covered in a little too much seasoned salt. Not a bad place but next time I'll just try their regular barbecue items. read more

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Waited half hour to open at 9am. Workers showed up after 9 to open. What, im suppose to wait another hour for them to set up and make coffee. Bullshit operation. read more

Only have done carry out. They have always served generous portions and food has been hot. They packed everything neatly and securely for the drive home. read more

This place is a disgrace to barbecue First of all, my 9 year old son said that this place should be on Gordon Ramsay's Secret Service TV show. He had the ribs which were bad to say the least. The homemade chips were okay but absolutely no seasoning. They were obviously fried in very old oil which gave them a very bad flavor. At least they were crispy. I ordered the Burnt Chalk Ends sandwich and probably need to go see a dentist now for a mouth full of chipped teeth. The smoke flavor was so acrid and bitter. Almost inedible. No coleslaw, pickles, onions. No anything that makes a real barbecue sandwich. The macaroni and cheese was absolutely disgusting. It's more like mush and water. Even my sister-in-law who is visiting from Germany has had much burgers there and Germans don't even know how to make hamburgers. If I didn't have a very successful career in Healthcare I.T., I could put this place out of business in a week. No wonder they don't serve dinner. Their false advertising should be illegal. Please get professional help and learn what barbecue is supposed to be. read more

This is a perfect spot for breakfast. Located in downtown Barrington canteen restaurant is the place to go for delicious briskets all day long. The food and service here is a 10/10. We tried the avocado toast with brisket & the smoked brisket with eggs. The brisket was absolutely delicious. Perfectly cooked and loved the smoky flavor. The Greek frappe iced coffee that was recommended by the host was amazing. I could have had two of those. The wait staff is so friendly and the restaurant has such good vibes. We were there for 2+hours and the staff checked on us often. I need to go back there asap and try other things on their menu. read more

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As someone who has frequently dined here for decades, my recent visit was very disappointing. The portion was skimpy. I had to lift the piece of wonder bread to find the meat on my over priced sandwich. Please do better, Canteen. read more

I really regret driving so long to try this place. The lady with the loop earnings and white shirt that took care of us was very unfriendly and almost rude , we asked for napkins and she forgot to bring them to us until 5 minutes later. very disappointed because we really thought it was going to be worth it. Nothing special about the food except for the brisket and barbecue sauce. I know I get a more professional and friendly service at any fast food chain. No I will never recommend anyone to go there. read more

Well, we stopped in for breakfast for the first time and was greeted by Sammi, after ordering I decided on the brisket and eggs and my wife got the burnt ends and eggs and all we can say is service was amazing, Food was even better with the atmosphere being great and a little classic rock music playing in the background, what else can you ask for? read more

Canteen Restaurant - Brisket melt - American Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

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Best breakfast and lunch around the Chicago area! Had breakfast there today for the first time (we normally are there for lunch), and everything was fantastic! Sammi was our server and was excellent and food was perfect. If you have not already done so, GO EAT at CANTEEN!! read more

Canteen Restaurant - Burnt ends (and Brisket) and Eggs - American Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

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First, I've not had much BBQ in Chicago that I like. Y'all make your sauce too sweet, the meat is bland.... it's just not something I find myself enjoying in the city much and I know people in Chicago would find that statement offensive. Earlier this week, I had to go to a meeting in Barrington and I've driven by this place on Houth that says "best BBQ this side of Texas" several times and this time I figured to heck with it let's stop. It's a small place, nothing fancy at all and it seems to pretty much be a breakfast spot (and even at 1:30 it was somewhat busy so I imagine weekends here can be a challenge. See: Go early or be prepared to wait.. I imagine.) Service was good, I came in and clearly didn't know what to do but found my way to a take and poof. Water and menu in my hands. I came for the brisket, I got the brisket. Here is what I will say: 1) This is a pretty great BBQ sauce. I am sure I am going to find out its like... mass-produced Sweet Baby Rays or something and I'll have to hang my head in shame forever but it was the first time in a long time I had a sauce in Chicagoland that wasn't sickly sweet. You can buy the sauce there and I wish I had. 2) The meat was well smoked. You could tell that the person who handled their smoker knows what they are doing and was going low and slow. The brisket had that perfect balance of falling apart but it wasn't...you know...soup. It was still sliced brisket. I come through town about once a month and I'll be back. read more

Every time I drove by Canteen, I admired the retro feel of the signage, and casual sense of the modest building. Today, instinct pulled me in, being the adventure seeker that I am. 'Ordered the beef brisket, and decided on a side of coleslaw to go, but couldn't help feeling that I should've sat and stayed awhile instead. It felt cozy. Then out the door, and in the car... the sensation kicked in that I had to take a peek, then a bite... and another. A little sauce, but no need to take time to do coleslaw on top. The beef slices were lean, tender, smoky, flavorful and generously portioned. The sandwich went quickly, and the no-frills coleslaw struck the right balance to lighten things up and cool things down. Will be back for a nudder 'un. Can't wait. read more

We came here on a Sunday morning around 9:30am and were seated immediately. The place was pretty full though, so come early! We ordered the brisket skillet which was delish and a good portion. I'd definitely go back! read more

Canteen Restaurant - Brisket skillet - American Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

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Pulled pork burnouts brisket outstanding give it a salad four and a half on the main dishes. Barbecue sauce is good. Fries are good. Macaroni and cheese pretty much sucks pasta's way overcooked like mush. Love this place but they need to work on the side dishes they're mediocre. But I love it and I will continue to go I just get fries coleslaws is mediocre also read more

Good coffee. Service was fast and efficient even when t h ey were super busy. Pulled pork sandwich was huge and meat was very tender. Had the lemon rice soup and it was very lemony and flavorful. Cash only I think. read more

I ordered the El Diablo pulled pork sandwich. The pork had a delicate texture. It has a nice smoky scent; the amount of the pulled pork is quite generous. It was finished with coleslaw and pickle. It is presented in brioche buns. It has a zesty and sweet sauce. The sauce has a pleasant spice. I can't wait to return and sample more items from the menu. read more

Canteen Restaurant - a pulled pork sandwich and french fries - American Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

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Amazing! Amazing! Amazing. Ordered the keto brisket skillet. Smoked brisket, eggs, onions, peppers, smothered in mozzarella, with balsamic glaze. It was fricken fantastic. My man ordered bananas foster crepes. All in all it was the best food I've put in my mouth in a very long read more

Canteen Restaurant - American Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

Great breakfast spot. I love their bbq offerings even at breakfast. I forgot this place unless I drive that way.

Whenever the subject of going out breakfast comes up; I suggest the canteen. When I'm out voted I think about how much better the canteen would have been. ( the only friends that don't vote canteen . Have never been to the canteen. Once they go I know I can count on their vote forever) Best hidden gem ever. Fresh smoked brisket for breakfast!!! They are only open from 9-2 or something like that. And I have been going there for 45+ years! Super personable waitresses ( Sammy will put a smile on your face) cooks are fantastic. Owner is usually there. Plates come out looking like a picture. I've had everything on the breakfast side of the menu. Except the Portabella mushroom plate. Because they smoke meats here! read more

This cute little hole in the wall has a big secret. Ok it is not that big of a secret because they were featured on Chicago's Best. The smoked meats are pretty fantastic. The pulled pork was really great. I had it on a smokehouse benedict which has a buffalo inspired sauce on top. It was really hard to stop eating. My diet is not happy with me right now. Avocado toast with pulled pork was some of the best we have had. Ham off the bone was delicious. My daughter is a big huevos rancheros fan. She has not found one she really loved for a while. This one did the trick. This one has no beans but the flavors were excellent. Be careful with their chorizo, because it has a lot of spice on the finish. But it was not salty or greasy at all. We brought home burnt ends to try. And they were amazing. I really want to try the brisket too. I forgot to ask our server's name, but there were a couple there who were both great. Coffee was good and they kept it hot for us. read more

This place used to be all breakfast/lunch. Has transformed to a breakfast bbq place! The menu is small but oh my gosh! Delicious! My husband got a brisket skillet and this was beyond fantastic! We can't wait to come back for rib tips!! read more

Canteen Restaurant - American Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

Good service and food is delicious !! We have never been disappointed in the many times we have been there

Wasn't impressed with the bbq here. Got the combo plate of pulled pork and beef brisket and there was no flavor. Pulled pork had no smokeness flavor. Had to dip it with barbecue sauce for some flavor. Also there was a layer of oil on the bottom of the plate from the pulled pork which made it less appetizing. The fries were fresh cut but also had a layer of shiny oil on it and not very crispy. Burnt ends was better. Small place and busy. Had a sign that masks were required per indoor guidelines but none of the staff wore masks. read more

Canteen Restaurant - Pulled pork and beef brisket - American Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

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While cute inside, and staff was nice, food was subpar. I guess if you like bbq, this may be a good choice. I came for breakfast and my scrambled eggs had shells in them and the avocado toast had canned diced red peppers on them, which I dislike (doesn't say on the menu it comes that way). Plus the avocado was minimal and just their guacamole. Funky smell inside too, almost like a well. I know it's popular, but I won't come again. read more

Ordered from here yesterday - we wanted breakfast food, and our preferred place isn't open. We ordered 3 corned beef hash and eggs, 1 French toast, 2 avocado toast with bacon and brisket, and 4 sides of bacon and 2 sides of sausage. Bill came to $125. Our favorites from the menu were gone, so we made do, w/e. When we got there to pick it up, we noticed that the "we are open for indoor/outdoor dining" was not an outdated mistake (although, no outdoor dining). There were multiple people eating in, and the server's mask kept slipping down past her nose. I get that Pritzger's indoor dining ban that went into effect Nov 4th sucks, and businesses are going to court to fight it. HOWEVER, I do not appreciate a lack of transparency about refusal to follow the order - we couldn't tell until we were already inside. Give potential customers an option of saying "I'm not comfortable coming inside somewhere that has unmasked people, I will make another choice." If refusing to follow guidelines is about freedom, don't take away my freedom to make an educated decision. Worst of all, we got the food home and it was AWFUL. We have ordered the corned beef hash before ('homemade'). It was disgusting. The stuff in a can is better than what we got, and it tasted like it wasn't properly cooked. Also, NONE of our food had any seasoning - no salt/pepper. It was flavorless and nasty, and quite frankly, the awful taste made one of us concerned that someone preparing the food has COVID and can't taste/smell the mistakes they are making. No idea if there's merit, but he's legitimately afraid. He's eaten at Canteen over 30 years and this was the worst food he's ever had, anywhere. The only think really 'edible' was the bacon and sausage. Adding salt and pepper helped the eggs, but it was just gross. We all felt that the current state of their food would have been refused, even if free. You couldn't pay us to eat the food we received. I'd have been better off spending $10 at fast food, and lighting $115 on fire - at least then there'd be fire to look at. We are never returning. It was never a great value before, but it was over $100 for the worst food I've ever eaten, and I made and ate "tuna fish soup" as a bored and hungry 12 year old. Combine food quality with the shady-feeling decision to not be honest/careful with COVID protections (masks worn incorrectly don't work, I'll buy the waitress one that fits), and not letting us have a choice whether or not to enter a space with unmasked people... zero stars. They showed be ashamed they charged us money. I tipped, because I don't blame the waitress, but management/ownership. If you have the money to redo the roof/ceiling/windows/paint inside & out/bathrooms, you should be respectful of your customer base that helped you afford those upgrades. Side note - I get that it was kitschy/homey before, but all the personal touches are gone, and it feel like another impersonal/non-unique dining space. read more

The meat was tough, not hot, and no smoke. Poor. However, service was very good. Sadly, I will not return.

Great small town diner! This little hole in the wall has great service and even better breakfast food, and it won't cost you an arm and a leg : ) My favorite is the scrambled eggs and ham off the bone with cheddar cheese - perfect every time! Hash browns are a bonus and their gluten free pancakes are outstanding. read more

I can't remember how I learned of this gem. I had them bookmarked and also on my calendar. I took the 50 minute excursion and was impressed. Over the years I have driven by and never noticed them. They've been there since the 40's. Pleasant surprise, they smoke their own meats and have a smoker in the parking lot for onsite pig roasts. I had the Ensalada de Pollo. Smoked BBQ pulled chicken on a bed of mixed greens, avocado, black beans, cucumber, pickled onions, tomato, mango salsa and tortilla strips with a drizzle of balsamic reduction dressing. It's an incredible dish. I look forward to a return visit for breakfast. Such a unique interior. If you build a model plane, they'll hang it from the ceiling. Nice to see they have a U shaped counter too. read more

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Best breakfast in Barrington!! We love the eggs , ham and bacon / although the bacon used to be a lot thicker

We literally spent 20 min googling this place trying to find it, and then proceeded to drive from the city to Barrington IL to experience this again. It was that good the first time, and we needed to have it in our belly's again. We got the corned beef hash & eggs, which came with pancakes (or toast) and potatoes. The hash was so moist, but a little too oniony. Really liked how they provided whipped butter on the side! My boyfriend got the smokehouse Benedict, which he could not stop raving about. We were in between the smokehouse and the pork belly Benny. I'm sure either would have been great choices! We also got the cinnamon roll fresh toast to split, which was also delicious. The icing was perfect. Also really appreciated how they give you the whole carafe of coffee so you can keep on pouring yourself. You take your check up to the counter to pay - everything was so seamless. We love this place!! read more

Service very very slow Two older gentleman to cook 2 waitresses very nice very slow Everyone looks irritated though not crowded at 1:30 No one seems to care how long food is taking to serve read more

I just ordered from canteen to go for the first time minutes ago (even though I have lived in the area for several years). I just downed that pulled Chicken sandwich like no other. Wow, so good! I will DEFINITELY be coming back. That Mac and Cheese (chefs kiss)! Thank you for a good lunch, I will be back! read more

Canteen Restaurant - Beautiful pulled Chicken sandwich! - American Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

DELICIOUS beef brisket combined with friendly service and excellent coffee make this place a MUST visit for BBQ fans (or coffee fans).

Today, for most Catholic's, is Divine Mercy Sunday...after mass, we decided to go out for a quiet, enjoyable meal. Reached out to Sam R's place, the Canteen. Made sure if was "Safe"of course it was, told us to stop by in 30 minutes. It's been too long not to be back, welcomed graciously with regulars all enjoying their conversations and meals. Place smelled like heaven, with all the various (yummy) smells all around. Was put near the kitchen separated by all those fun folks (practicing safe protocols ) . Immediately greeted by our lovely Waitress, who immediately got our drink orders. Menus handed out and already looking forward to my Iced Tea, which was fresh and the coffee smells were hot & strong ( I would had another cup but already had three this morning) and one Pepsi for the teenager. We ordered & enjoyed the following: Blueberry Pancakes with a side order of thick bacon, Croque Madame, Desperado with a side of Sourdough toasted Bread, Banana Foster Crepes, Smoked Chicken Sandwich with Side of Coleslaw and Fries. We are definitely returning to Sam & his Team. Oppah, Mangia, & Cheers! read more

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Went there for breakfast and had a Denver omelette and the Avocado toast with OJ. Was told the OJ, guacamole was fresh. I disagree...tasted like Tropicana guacamole mayo. Denver omelette was suppose to have cooked green peppers and onion which were huge chunks and raw. Definitely won't be going back anytime soon. read more

Horrible! We ordered a couple brisket sandwiches and baby back ribs for takeout. None of the meats had any flavor or smoky smell to them. The ribs tasted old and the brisket was the worst we've ever tasted. There is no way this meat was smoked on-site. The sides weren't good either. The coleslaw was old and the mac and cheese was dry. Very disappointed and definitely won't be going back. read more

This place is a small gem in Barrington! The smoker outside the building caught my eye to give this brisket/pulled pork eggs Benny & it did not disappoint. Although I was not a fan of the Hollandaise sauce everything else was superb. I can here a lot for breakfast years ago as a little girl but only recently recalled this place driving by deffinetlu a spot for breakfast or lunch! Cant wait to come back read more

Canteen Restaurant - 1/2 & 1/2 Brisket & pulled pork eggs Benny - American Near Me - Barrington, Illinois

The Canteen is a wonderful experience just south of downtown Barrington. What it is not - modern, chic, classy. What it is - wholesome, friendly, delicious. This is a fairly typical diner, only open for breakfast and lunch. Over the years I have heard great things about it, but think this was my first visit. I went with my wife and my father-in-law. They have an extensive menu including all sorts of breakfasts, burgers, sandwiches, wraps and some entrees. It was noon when we arrived and I was torn between their burger, which I have heard wonderful things about, and their corned beef hash and eggs. Everything is homemade so I opted for the corned beef hash. You get a healthy serving of hash, breakfast potatoes and eggs any style. The corned beef was fantastic. My wife had a Reuben and said the same thing. I mentioned friendly - the owner goes around from table to table and may sit with you for a whole. We had a long chat with him about his business. He loves what he does and takes pride in his restaurant. After we talked, he had someone bring us each a slice of pound cake, on the house. Aside from the overall great time, there were a number of service members, in uniform, who were on leave and said they always come here when they come home. Talking to them, hearing their stories of being in Iraq and Afghanistan were both shocking and exciting. My point here is that everyone, customers included, feel at home here and everyone is comfortable to talk to each other. read more

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Incredible meal. Had burnt ends platter. It was outstanding. Hand cut fries and baked beans. Very impressed. If I lived here, I'd be back. One person waiting on you and saw a customer leave upset because she didn't have time to answer his question. read more